Date/Time: Wednesday, 11th March 2026 at 10:30
Location: Tate Britain, Millbank, London, SW1P 4RG
Price: £46 per person. Member and guest £92.
Event Organiser: Pat Smith. 8, Brook End, Potton, Sandy SG19 2QS
There are two dates for this event. The first is 11th February at 10:30, which is now fully booked. The second is planned for Wednesday 11th March, also at 10:30.
Two of Britain’s greatest painters, J.M.W. Turner and John Constable were also the greatest of rivals. Born within a year of each other – Turner in 1775, Constable in 1776 – the art critics of the day compared their paintings to a clash of ‘fire and water’.
Raised in the gritty heart of Georgian London, Turner quickly became a young star of the art world despite his humble beginnings. Meanwhile Constable, the son of a wealthy Suffolk merchant, was equally determined to forge his own path as an artist but faced a longer, more arduous rise to acclaim. Though from different worlds, both artists were united in their desire to transform landscape painting for the better.
With the two painters vying for success through very different but equally bold approaches, the scene was soon set for a heady rivalry within the competitive world of landscape art. Turner painted blazing sunsets and sublime scenes from his travels, while Constable often returned to depictions of a handful of beloved places, striving for freshness and authenticity in his portrayal of nature.
Marking 250 years since their births, this landmark exhibition explores Turner and Constable‘s intertwined lives and legacies. Discover unexpected sides to both artists alongside intimate insights seen through sketchbooks and personal items.
We will be shown round as a group by one of the Tate’s art experts for the first hour and then have time to wander on our own. At the end of the tour feel free to visit the Djanogly Cafe with an excellent selection of sandwiches and hot food. This looks like a real treat!
This tour is limited to a maximum of fifteen people.
Please arrange to arrive at 10:15 for our tour which starts at 10:30.
Event Booking
Please note that all bookings are subject to our Event Booking Rules.
The standard, printable event booking sheet is downloadable here.